Platycercus eximius
Eastern rosella
Family: Psittaculidae
Origin: Australia
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- Aotea — Exclusion
- Whole region — Sustained control
- Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest
General description
Brightly coloured parakeet about 30 cm long, weighs 90-120 grams. Has red head, white cheeks, yellow-green body with black markings and blue shoulders.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not release any eastern rosella from containment within the Auckland region.
- You must not move any eastern rosella to Aotea/Great Barrier Island group.
- You must not breed, distribute or release any eastern rosella on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group.
With the exception of Aotea / Great Barrier, Eastern rosellas are exempt from pest status.
The exemption may be removed in the future if we carry out further consultation. Find out more about the RPMP.
Habitats
Open habitats, forests, gardens, pastures, orchards, plantations, urban areas.
Impact on environment
Eats and destroys seeds from native plants. May act as a reservoir for Beak and Feather Disease Virus.
Control
Management
If you have pet rosellas, make sure they’re securely contained to avoid accidental escapes. If you are no longer able to look after your pet rosella, find someone who is prepared to give it a lifetime home, or contact a relevant pet shop or animal rescue organisation to get it rehomed.
Never release a rosella into the wild – your pet may be unable to find the food and shelter it needs, and it also puts our native species at risk.
If you see an eastern rosella on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
